Local celebrities are ready to break out their dancing shoes once again to help Combined Community Services.
The Third Annual Dancing Under the Stars event will hit the floor Friday at 6 p.m. at 2517, Warsaw. The fundraiser includes dinner, the dancing competition and a live and silent auctions.
This year's contestants will be reigning champions David and Natalie Brown; Steve Grossnickle and Susie Replogle; Kelly Britton and Kevin Whisenant; and Jim and Ila Linton.
Dances featured will inclued the rumba, the salsa and the triple East Coast Swing.
The public is invited to cast votes for their favorite dance teams. Votes are $5 each and may be made at CCS or any of the local restaurants participating in the event, including Cerulean, 1000 Park Baking Co., Noa Noa and Bogey's Steakhouse.
This year's dinner will have an Italian-themed menu, including hors d'oeuvres. Dr. Dane Miller and chefs from local restaurants will prepare the meal, with meats provided by Eagle Creek Farms Market and Owen's Supermarket. Caleb France of Cerulean, Aaron Wilcoxson of 1000 Park Baking Company, Jeff Ihnen of Noa Noa, April O'Neill of Bogey's Steakhouse, and local chef Mark Guerra will prepare the meal.
Dessert will consist of cheesecake sponsored by Rockhill Pinnick LLP, with Dane Miller making his "famous" carmel sauce.
"This year, the planning committee has been working with Whalen Creative Group to put together some exciting gift baskets for the silent auction," said Dana Leon Huffer, chair of the event. "The gift baskets will include some unique offerings such as a 'fitness basket,' including local gym memberships, fitness classes, yoga gear, etc.
"There will also be a 'portrait basket', 'golfer's paradise', 'girls' getaway', 'weekend retreat', 'catered and decorated', 'cleaning house' and 'pampering me' baskets."
However, Huffer said, the excitement really begins when the bidding starts on a one-week stay at Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller's San Marco Island, Fla., vacation home.
"This marvelous week can accommodate up to six individuals, and the Miller's have graciously thrown in wine, dinner at the Marco Island Yacht Club and an afternoon yacht excursion to Naples," said Huffer.
For ticket information, contact Sylvia Aguirre at 574-306-2005 or by e-mail at Sylvia.aguirre@hotmail.com
All money raised from the event goes to CCS to help those in need in the Kosciusko County area.
